SIGNIS is a combination of the words "SIGN" and "IGNIS" (Latin for "fire"). The mission of SIGNIS is "to engage with media professionals and support Catholic communicators to help transform our cultures in the light of the Gospel by promoting human dignity, justice and reconciliation."
One of the particular things that drew my attention is the collection movement of sleeping (unused or extra) rosaries at home. The rosary is a string of beads used by Catholics when praying to the Virgin Mary. The rosary is most popular form of prayer among Catholics. So it is common for those who have been baptized to have several rosaries. Each Catholic has at least one rosary. Many faithful Catholics have various rosaries at home.
Participating in the collection movement of sleeping rosaries to donate to people, especially in Africa, Scolastica, an elder sister of Sr. Susannaa in our congregation expressed the following:
"From our parish priest, I just heard about the petition to collect sleeping rosaries to send to those who are having difficulties economically. In Africa, many people hesitate whether to buy food to eat or to buy the rosary to pray… I couldn't collect sleeping rosaries by myself alone. I am so happy to imagine Africans praying to the Virgin Mary with the rosaries…"
SIGNIS World Congress 2022 will be held as a hybrid conference that combines face-to-face and non-face-to-face meetings. Together with virtual conferences, a metaverse platform will be opened in the cyber world. A mixed-media conference will be transmitted via YouTube, Zoom, the metaverse and television.
SIGNIS (the World Catholic Association of Communication) is held every four years as a non-profit Roman Catholic lay ecclesial movement for professionals in media communication, including press, radio, television, cinema, video, media education, internet and new technology.
As an organization with representation from over 100 countries, it was formed in November 2001 by OCIC (International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual) and Unda (International Catholic Association for Radio and Television). In 2017, it also included UCIP (International Catholic Union of the Press).
In preparation for SIGNIS World Congress 2022, those who are involved in this meeting pray sincerely the following official prayer:
"O God, by your Word, You have created the universe and sent us Our Savior.
We thank You, God, for summoning us in spreading the good news through mass communication.
O God, as we embark on this endeavor under the theme 'Peace in the Digital World,' we ask that You lead the SIGNIS World Congress 2022 so that it may send the message of peace to the world.
Also, let the light shine upon us as we prepare for the Congress, and we ask that You provide us with those who may offer their prayers, services, and generous contributions.
Let all those engaged in the media industry become communicators of culture promoting peace and help all those around the world.
We pray that all communications on Earth may help reveal Your glory and sow the gift of peace. Amen.
Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Saint Oscar Romero, pray for us.
Saint Andrew Taegon Kim and all the Martyr Saints of Korea, pray for us."
The author is a member of the Daughters of St. Paul (fsp.pauline.or.kr.) living and giving the Good News to the world by means of social communication.